Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am also pleased to have some time to speak on the Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Bill 2013. The legislation was mooted some time ago and the Government promised, as did the last one, that it would cut back on the number of quangos but it has not succeeded greatly in doing so, no more than the last Government. I have nothing against Forfás. We needed those development agencies badly over the years but there comes a time when there is duplication and agencies like this should be reigned in and brought under one roof.

The main provision of the Bill is that primary legislation is necessary to give effect to the decision to integrate Forfás into the Department by providing for the transfer of Forfás functions and staff to the Department and other agencies. Therein lies the problem. There should be no problem. It should be acclaimed and helped. I remember asking at committee about the integration of two agencies that was announced in a blaze of glory a few years ago before this Government took office. I found out afterwards that millions of euro were spent on the integration, staff management and sending staff away for bonding courses. Why did this happen? We are a civilised country. People should be thankful that their jobs have been secured. While there must be some integration and regardless of whether it was hijacked by trade unions or something else, I was shocked when I examined the figures. I hope it does not happen here.

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